Hot off the heels of the release of their new single, “what’s true?,” New York-based rock band sweet93, led by frontwoman Chloe Kohanski, took to the stage at The Sinclair in Cambridge on October 15. 

The show marked the start of their nationwide tour opening for Porches, whose most recent album features vocals from Chloe. sweet93’s music is a dreamy blend of swirling reverb, lullaby-esque melodies and early-90s influences like Cocteau Twins and Mazzy Star. 

The day before the show, I sat down with Chloe to learn more about the behind-the-scenes of making the new single. “It transformed, like, three separate times. I’m talking verse, melody, chords – it shape shifted. I found myself just being pulled to this more ethereal space honestly, and just wanting those sounds,” said Chloe.

As its title suggests, the song asks existential questions about reality and the world around you. “I really was just questioning everything– personal truth, universal truths…  I realized I just wanted to ask the questions that I myself have been really wondering lately, and just genuinely what is ‘truth’?”

I wondered whether she felt that writing and recording the song had given her any answers. “Yes and no,” she replied. She explained that the song allowed her to put the questions into music and let that speak for itself. “I’m just trying to describe that feeling – you don’t know what to say, you don’t know how to say it… [writing the song] didn’t give me the answers of life in a bigger way, but it gave me the answers as a songwriter, as an artist.”

Kohanski takes great joy in the artistic process, no matter how long it takes. “I love creating music, writing music. I love those moments where you break through and you finally get that art or that thing or whatever, even if it takes three months – like with my song ‘Be My Best’.” 

She explained that although the lyrics to the song took less than half an hour to write, the process of mixing it took place over the course of two years. Others may have found this frustrating or excessively arduous, but for Chloe, it was an “awesome” experience. 

On the eve of sweet93’s first tour, Chloe expressed her excitement for the upcoming experience. “There is literally nothing like being in a room with people who are there to really experience music and really be a part of a night of a show. It’s communal. There’s an exchange of energy. It feels special. Every time I play, afterwards I’m like ‘This is my destiny.’ This is what I love.”

As sweet93 took the stage at The Sinclair on Oct. 15, Chloe’s passion for performance was evident. Her set had the audience under a trance which held until the end of their final song. Joined by her band, a revolving cast of friends and collaborators, Chloe serenaded the crowd with “what’s true?” and their most popular song “Stars Above,” an ethereally haunting track featuring echoing vocals and bluesy, note-bending guitar. 

sweet93 concluded their set with “You Decide,” a heavier, reverb-drenched tune reminiscent of the golden days of shoegaze. According to Chloe, this song is the band’s favorite to play live. “I hope people feel like they can just like, rock out to it, close their eyes and just feel it,” she said. Indeed, this track appeared to be a crowd favorite, with even the stiffest of flannel-clad men (a demographic stunningly overrepresented in the crowd) gently bopping their heads in appreciation. 

Shortly after their performance, an older gentleman in attendance excitedly emerged from the restroom wearing a brand-new sweet93 t-shirt, his original shirt stuffed into his back pocket. He proudly showed off his look to Chloe at the merch table, who beamed from ear to ear and gave her new fan a big hug. The heartwarming moment perfectly captured the magnetic appeal of sweet93 –– their timeless, nostalgic sound resonates with fans across demographics.

sweet93’s tour with Porches will continue across the United States through the end of November. Whether you’re drawn to moody, atmospheric sounds or just love a great live show, don’t miss your chance to catch them on stage!

Contact the editors responsible for this article: Ivy Buck, Norah Catlin